Kristian Garic

Kristian's Camp Recap: LT position continues to concern

by Kristian Garic,posted Jul 31 2013 12:24PM

Under the new CBA from two years ago, they can't practice in full pads for more than three consecutive days. So, Sean Payton put them in shorts and helmets and shoulder pads today...so kind of a lighter practice, not nearly as much contact. They had their most physical training camp yesterday, and kind of backed off today. Then, two straight days in pads leading up to the Black and Gold Scrimmage this Saturday morning.

All in all, I thought Tulane QB Ryan Griffin probably had his best outing today, connected on three nice deep balls, and then right after that, he throws an interception. But I think he's making progress every day.

LT: Left tackle continues to be a concern...Talking to guys like Bobby and Hokie, we all noted that Jason Smith, who started out on the 2nd team LT behind Charles Brown, has been demoted to the third team, and Terron Armstead is now running with the 2's. Smith is getting pushed around by the 3rd team unit, and Hokie said he can't even play LT in shorts! I think that's the line of the day.

I just don't think Smith has it. It's obvious, when they move a veteran down like that from 2nd to 3rd, and they put in a rookie who has never had a snap with the NFL, that says something.

You just got to hope right now that Charles Brown can stay healthy, and he's the best LT on the roster. And he hasn't been able to stay healthy in his time through the NFL..but he says he's done a lot during the off-season to prepare, and he says he prepares better even before the game, than he did last year.

Standouts: I think the secondary continues to make strides. They are getting their hands on a number of footballs. For instance, Rafael Bush is a player who has contributed a lot on special teams, but he's now starting to make some plays defensively. I think there's some things to be encouraged about, especially on the secondary, on this D. I'm still concerned about the pass rush - will they generate it, who's going to be 'that guy?'

Notes: Curtis Lofton sat out again today with a sore back.

Practice closed: Thursday's practice has been moved indoors and will be closed to the public.